Signs/Indicators That a Child/Teen May Be Bullying Others
* Parents whose children or teenagers engage in bullying have an obligation to act - not just for the sake of the community, but for the sake of their own child. Studies indicate that most kids who engage in bullying behavior tend to have more troubled lives as adults. They tend to have more problems with the law, have more problems at work, have poorer relationships with their spouses and children and are less productive members of our society. They are also more prone to psychological and emotional problems. If you think your kid is involved in bullying or cyber-bullying, get involved immediately! Talk to your kid, set stronger boundaries and make your feelings about how wrong it is to bully others known. Get professional help, such as counseling, if necessary. You owe it to your kid to give them the best shot at living a happy and healthy adult life; and you owe it to your community not to allow your kid to grow into someone that thinks it is okay to bully and intimidate others. Here are some of the warning signs that could indicate that your child is involved in bullying others:
- They often get into verbal or physical conflicts with others.
- They have friends or hang out with groups that bully or intimidate others.
- They are very aggressive or are becoming increasingly so.
- They are extremely competitive.
- They get into trouble at school (and/or with the law) frequently.
- They tend to worry excessively about their popularity or reputation.
- They blame others for what they do or what happens to them. The problem is always someone else's fault.
- They often have new belongings or money that came from an unexplained source.
- They try to get their way through intimidation or try to win arguments through intimidation or verbal humiliation.
- They refuse to take responsibility for their actions.
- They mock or look down on others who are different from them.